Baker Whatley

Baker Whatley of Skipperville died Thursday morning, July 5, 2007, at his home. He was 67. Funeral services will be Saturday in Skipperville United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Freddie McCain and Pastor Lawrence Maio officiating. Graveside services will follow in the Skipperville Community Cemetery with Pastor Billy Gant officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today in the church sanctuary. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Skipperville Community Cemetery Fund, c/o Mary Faye Huey, 3489 County Road 50, Ozark, AL 36360 or to the Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, 126 Hospital Avenue, Ozark, AL 36360. Mr. Whatley was born in Skipperville but was reared in Phenix City, son of the late Grady Cadmus Whatley and Madie Maudell Baker Whatley. He was a graduate of Central High School in Phenix City and attended Auburn University where he played Football. Mr. Whatley enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Vietnam Conflict and later served in the Naval Reserve. He lived in Headland and also Echo 25 years before moving to Skipperville in 2002. Mr. Whatley was formerly self-employed as an insurance agent and real estate broker. He was a member of Skipperville United Methodist Church. An avid coon hunter and baseball coach, Mr. Whatley enjoyed playing softball and loved Auburn football. He was a man of prayer and loved the Lord with all his heart. Surviving relatives include his wife of 36 years, Janet Riley Whatley of Skipperville; two daughters, Nan Whatley Maio and husband Pastor Lawrence Maio of Blythewood, S.C., Kim Whatley Pritchett and husband Adam Pritchett of Midway; two sons, Heath Whatley and wife Julie Whatley of Skipperville, Wade Whatley of Skipperville; two sisters, Constance Whatley Duncan and husband Ford Duncan of Phenix City, Martha Glynn Whatley Martin of Phenix City; a brother-in-law, Bobby Martin of Phenix City; eight grandchildren, Joshua Maio, Zachary Maio, Cohen Pritchett, a grandson Pritchett to be born, Tye Whatley, Madilyn Whatley, Meredith Martin and Madison Martin; two sisters-in-law, Jane Riley Edgar and husband Ron Edgar of Ozark, Mae Ola Riley Bell and husband Braxton Bell Jr. of Skipperville; two brothers-in-law, Bartow Riley of Montgomery, Mike Riley of Skipperville; several nieces and nephews. Serving as active pallbearers will be Braxton Bell Jr., Kenneth Phillips, Wayne Phillips, Bryant Mixon, John Lee Riddle and Bobby Don Richards. Holman-Headland Mortuary, (334) 693-3371, is in charge of arrangements.